Lame duck bylaw endorsed
Wellington County council has taken steps to prevent spending by a potential lame duck council should 75% of the current council not seek re-election in the October municipal election.
“The Municipal Act restricts certain actions by council during that lame duck period, but allows for it to be delegated,” county clerk Donna Bryce said.
“Essentially after nomination day and after the election, if less than 75 percent of the incoming council is from the outgoing council, the lame duck restrictions apply, Wellington County would need 12 of the (16-member) current council to not be in the situation.”
The bylaw passed at council’s March 27 meeting allows for CAO Scott Wilson to restrict spending in excess of $50,000.
“The bylaw allows the CAO to do what a lame duck council can’t do,” Bryce added.
It is unlikely the lame duck scenario will occur, with the majority of county councillors expected to seek re-election.
